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If you’re interested in taking a world-class Caribbean vacation, you may decide to visit the tiny island of Saint Martin. This island is due east of Puerto Rico, and it’s the smallest of the islands in the region.
However, despite Sint Maarten’s size, it has some of the best beaches in the world. If you want white sand, snorkeling, water sports, and calm waters, Saint Martin has it all.
A Brief Explanation of St. Martin vs. St. Maarten
You may be wondering why we’re switching back and forth between the names Saint Martin and Sint Maarten. This is because the island is actually split in two. The northern half is French, while the southern half is Dutch.
Fortunately, both countries are pretty chill about the situation, so don’t expect to have to flash your passport or other papers when traveling from one side to the next. Also, even if you’re staying on the French side, you’ll need to fly into the airport at Philipsburg.
However, there are some distinct differences based on which half you’re on, such as:
- Development – The Dutch side is more developed and has more infrastructure, so you can find more amenities, restaurants, and shops here.
- Entertainment and Nightlife – Another side effect of development is the existence of casinos, bars, clubs, and other entertainment options. So, if you’re looking to have a good time indoors, the Dutch side still wins.
- Natural Beauty – The French side is less developed, so it feels more like a tropical paradise. So, if you’re looking for the best beaches, St. Martin is the place. That said, St. Maarten also has some incredible beaches, so we’ll look at both sides.
- Price – Gorgeous scenery is expensive, so St. Martin tends to be a bit pricier than its Dutch counterpart. So, if you’re staying in St. Martin, you may want to travel over to St. Maarten to eat and shop.
Top 10 Beaches on St. Martin/St. Maarten
Orient Bay Beach – St. Martin
If you were to get a postcard from St. Martin, it would likely have a photo of Orient Bay Beach on it. This is the most famous beach on the island, and for a good reason. While this is one of the most developed beaches on the French half, it looks so gorgeous that you can forgive the constant reminders of modern civilization. This beach’s nickname is the “St. Tropez of the Caribbean.”
Another benefit of having the city next to the beach is that it’s easy to grab a bite to eat or find a cafe in which to relax and watch the surf from a shaded table.
The waters at Orient Bay are calm and relaxing, and the water itself is crystal blue. A big reason why this beach has calm water is that it’s protected by Cay Verte, which deflects many of the waves and weather events.
If you’re looking for water sports, you can rent various items like jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards from local vendors. On most days, you can also go windsurfing. There are plenty of excursions to take advantage of from here. However, feel free to sit underneath a beach umbrella and watch other people instead.
Many of the top hotels are next to Orient Bay Beach, including Club Orient. As a naturist resort, it’s frequented by nudists, so you can expect to see some of them on the beach in front of the club. If you’re traveling with little ones, you should avoid this section.
Mullet Bay Beach – St. Maarten
The western side of the island is unique because it has its own lagoon called Simpson Bay Lagoon. So, you could visit beaches on both sides of the thin strip of land that separates the lagoon from the ocean. However, the best beaches are on the ocean side, including Mullet Bay Beach.
If you’re into surfing, you’ll want to make the trek to Mullet Bay, as it has some of the best breaks in the Caribbean. However, be warned that the surf here can get pretty intense, so it’s more for experienced surfers than beginners. This is also another fantastic spot for watching the sunset, although pretty much anywhere on the western side of the island is perfect for that.
As far as amenities go, there’s not much here, so it’s free from the crowds and tourists you’ll find at Orient Bay Beach. However, there is a beach bar and some water sport rental places, so you can get a drink and rent a paddleboard for the afternoon. If you’re into golf, the Mullet Bay Golf Course is just behind you as well.
Another advantage of being on the Dutch side is that you can watch planes take off and land from Princess Juliana International Airport. Maho Beach is where you can see the jumbo jets come in right over your head (literally), but Mullet Bay offers a safer and quieter viewing distance.
Baie Rouge Beach – St. Martin
If you speak French, you’ll know that “baie rouge” translates to “red beach.” The name comes from the reddish sand, which is unique on the island. Baie Rouge is just across Simpson Bay Lagoon, and on clear days you can see all the way to Anguilla, which is actually part of the UK.
What makes Baie Rouge so enticing is that it’s wide and expansive, so it feels uncrowded and pristine. You can walk along the water for quite a while before you reach any developed area, so it feels like it’s your slice of paradise.
Be forewarned, though, that nudists do like to congregate at the western end of Baie Rouge, so plan your stroll accordingly.
If you enjoy snorkeling, there’s a natural rock formation called the Devil’s Hole (aka David’s Hole). It’s a rock archway that leads out into the ocean, and it’s a popular destination for snorkelers. However, the water can get a bit dicey at times, so be aware of the currents so you don’t get swept out to sea.
Once you’ve had enough nature, the best place to head is the east end, where you’ll find a beach bar and plenty of tourists hanging out to watch the sunset.
Cupecoy Beach – St. Maarten
Unlike other beaches on the island, Cupecoy Beach isn’t dotted with umbrellas or tons of tourists. That’s because this is one of the smaller beaches, and it’s surrounded by limestone cliffs. So, Cupecoy Beach is much more dramatic and scenic than anything.
However, since this beach is on the western tip of St. Maarten, it’s an excellent place to see the sunset. Plus, since most tourists will be on other beaches at this time of day, you can stake your spot and wait until dark without having to elbow anyone for some breathing room.
Another side effect of the limestone cliffs is that there’s a resort on the north side of Cupecoy overlooking the water. So, this area isn’t quite as pristine and untouched as some of the other beaches on the island.
Happy Bay Beach – St. Martin
Much like Cupecoy Beach, Happy Bay is tucked away in its own little corner of the island. However, there are no resorts jutting out over the water, nor are there limestone cliffs making you feel a bit enclosed. Instead, Happy Bay is one of the most secluded and beautiful beaches in St. Martin.
Part of the reason this beach is so picturesque is that it’s lined with palm trees on the edge of the sand. So, when the sun gets too hot overhead, you can walk further inland and be greeted by shade and cool breezes.
Most of the time, Happy Bay Beach is pretty isolated. However, the area also serves as a concert and event venue, including the annual SXM Festival. But, when there’s not an event going on, you can pretty much have the place to yourself.
A big reason why Happy Bay isn’t crowded is that there’s no road access, nor are there beach amenities. So, you’ll have to hike for about 10 minutes to reach the water, and you’ll need to bring your own beach chairs and umbrellas, along with any food or beverages.
That said, we feel like the extra work to get here is worth the stunning view and lack of crowds.
Maho Beach – St. Maarten
If you’re a big aviation fan or cool pictures for social media, then you might get a kick out of visiting Maho Beach. However, keep in mind that this beach can get pretty loud and intense, thanks to the jets coming in for a landing practically within touching distance of your hand. Still, coming to Maho Beach to watch the planes take off and land right over your head is one of the top things to do in St. Maarten.
Because the island is so small, it doesn’t have that much room for an international airport. But, the residents of St. Maarten don’t let that stand in the way of accommodating full commercial airliners as they bring tons of tourists to the area.
When you’re not experiencing the updraft of a 747 flying inches from your face, you can enjoy a cocktail or beer at one of several beachside bars next to Maho. Also, since this beach is on the western side, don’t forget to see the sunset if you get a chance.
Anse Marcel – St. Martin
While Maho Beach is on the southwestern tip of Sint Maarten, Anse Marcel is on the complete opposite end. This relatively small beach is tucked away with cliffs and hills on either side, making you feel like you’re in a private corner of the island.
There is a resort here with a spectacular restaurant that offers stunning views of the water. While you can’t see the sunset directly here, early evening and morning are perfect times to enjoy what Anse Marcel has to offer.
As far as crowds, this beach varies depending on the time of day and the season. However, it’s not one of the most popular beaches on St. Martin, so you shouldn’t have to fight for space on the sand. Plus, since this spot is buffered by cliffs, it has some of the calmest waters on the island, which is surprising since you’re right next to the ocean.
If you’re really looking for seclusion, there’s another small beach a bit further north, in Baie du Petite Cayes. This spot requires a pretty extensive hike or bike ride from Anse Marcel, so many tourists forgo the trip altogether.
Kim Sha Beach – St. Maarten
St. Maarten is home to many bays, including Simpson Bay on the southwestern side of the island. However, don’t confuse Simpson Bay with the lagoon, as this beach faces the ocean, not an internal body of water.
If you venture out into the surf, you’ll discover tons of coral reefs, so this area is perfect for snorkeling by yourself or with your family. The area next to the beach is heavily developed, so be sure to bring an appetite and plenty of cash so you can walk around the numerous cafes and shops nearby.
Another advantage of the development is that it’s easy to get to Kim Sha Beach, and you shouldn’t have trouble finding parking. This accessibility is partly why the area gets so many live concerts and events. No matter the time of year, you’re sure to be entertained at Kim Sha, especially if you’re into water sports.
Grand Case Beach – St. Martin
Most of these beaches are pretty small, so you can walk along them for just about 20 to 30 minutes from one end to the other. But, if you want an expansive beach that seems to go on for miles, visit Grand Case.
This is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Saint Martin, so you’ll find lots of people sunbathing and having fun with various water sports activities.
However, while swimming in clear waters sounds appealing, Grand Case is one of the best places to enjoy local cuisine. Numerous high-class seafood restaurants are within a stone’s throw of the water, so you can take your pick. Best of all, most of these places have ocean views, so you can enjoy your meal while still getting to see swimmers and sunbathers outside.
Finally, there is a small airstrip behind Grand Case Beach, so you will see smaller prop planes coming and going throughout the day. However, the experience is far less intense than what you’ll get at Maho Beach.
Dawn Beach – St. Maarten
When it comes to the best St Maarten beaches, we’ve talked a lot about where the best places are to catch sunsets. However, Dawn Beach is perfect for just the opposite – watching the sunrise. Situated on the eastern side of the island, it’s a transcendent experience to see the sun peek out from behind the horizon. Even if you’re not a morning person, it’s worth getting up super early to catch this phenomenon.
Depending on your positioning, you can also see the island of St. Barths as you watch the sunrise. Overall, be sure to have your camera ready, as you won’t get much better views anywhere else in the Caribbean.
Another point to consider is that Dawn Beach is next to a bunch of resorts but not much in the way of dining or shopping. There are a couple of spots on the cul-de-sac to the north, but you’ll need to venture elsewhere on the island to grab a bite to eat. In fact, the entire section of the island is covered in hotels and resorts, so you’ll have to go quite a ways to find what you need.
You’ll Love These St. Maarten / St. Martin Beaches
Get ready for a week of relaxation and pure natural beauty during your vacation to the island. Regardless if you choose to stay on the St. Maarten or St. Martin side of the island, you’re in for a real treat in this Caribbean paradise.
